What is Ginger Good For?

Friday, February 10th, 2012 at
4:21 am

In terms of healing, what is ginger good for? Not only ginger makes certain Chinese dishes and cookies taste great, but its health benefits are very well known among practitioners of traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines. They routinely prescribe it to relieve a wide range of ailments.

It is said ginger contains more than 12 anti-oxidants and powerful anti-inflammatory enzymes called proeolytic enzymes. In fact, herbalist and researcher Paul Schulick believes gingerroot is nature’s richest proeolytic enzyme source. Additionally, it also has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.

These must be the reasons why this herb has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to relieve ailments ranging from dandruff to arthritis and digestive problems. The following ailments may be relieved by taking capsules, juice, powder or even pickled ginger.

Colds: Because ginger contains anti-viral substances, ginger tea can ease your cold symptoms. Dr.James A. Duke, author of The Green Pharmacy recommends steeping one heaping teaspoon of fresh grated ginger in a cup of boiling water for ten minutes and drinking up to three cups a day.

Dandruff: By mixing two tablespoons of ginger juice, half teaspoon of lemon juice and three tablespoons of sesame seed oil and rubbing it on the scalp three times a week, you may get rid of dandruff.

Swelling: Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, many herbalists believe ginger is effective in reducing swelling and pain. However, naturopathic doctor Mark Stengler, associate professor at the Natural College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, thinks the herb can be effective for arthritis as part of a Chinese herbal treatment created by practitioners of Chinese medicine. Turmeric, ginger close relative, is also known as a good herb to ease arthritis symptoms.

Cardiovascular Health: It is believed the herb can prevent the blood from clotting, thus avoiding atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. According to Dr. Stengler, the usual capsule dosage is 500mg two to four times daily.

Parasites: Paul Schulick, prominent herbalist and author of “Ginger: Common Spice and Wonder Drug” notes that gingerroot is extremely effective in getting rid of the most malignant parasites, such as the anisakis worm found in raw fish. If you particularly enjoy sashimi, the Japanese raw fish dish, you should eat the pickled ginger served with it. Now we know why sushi is always served with pickled gingerroot.

Fungal Skin Infections/Athlete’s Foot: Ginger also has powerful anti-fungal properties. Dr. Duke discovered the herb is rich in anti-fungal substances. He recommends making a a mixture of one ounce of groud or chopped ginger and one cup of boiled water. When the liquid cools down, dip a clean cloth in the liquid and put it in the affected area twice daily.

Motion Sickness: Varro Tyler, Ph.D., dean and professor of natural pharmacy at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana recommends taking two ginger capsules thirty minutes before your trip to prevent motion sickness. And one or two every four hours when symptoms start. You can also chew on a piece of fresh ginger or drink fresh ginger tea.

Nausea and Vomiting: According to naturopathic doctor Mark Stengler, several studies show reduced anesthesia-related nausea and vomiting in post surgery patients. Dr. Stengler believes regardless of the cause of nausea or vomiting, ginger is an effective remedy.

Side Effects: Although ginger side effects are very rare, it may cause heartburn in very people. Some experts believe the following people should not take ginger without consulting their health care practitioners.

People taking blood thinning Individuals who have gallstones. This is because gingerroot increases bile production.

Individuals who have gallstones. This is because gingerroot increases bile production.

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